The Sentosa Development Corporation commissioned one of the largest archaeological surveys ever undertaken in Singapore.  The survey involved the study the military fortifications on Mount Serapong, as well as to conduct an impact assessment evaluation prior to the construction of the Resorts World casino complex. This study was conducted between April 2006 and February 2007, and it covered a range of military and non-military facilities dating between 1879 and 1972. Pre-colonial Ming Dynasty ceramics sherds were also recovered from the tidal flats of the island attesting to the maritime traffic of the 16th and 17th century that sailed by Singapore.