The site of Pauli Stincus was excavated as part of the Terralba project which researches the organisational and productive dynamics of Punic rural settlements in the Terralbese, in the hinterland of the Gulf of Oristano (central western Sardinia). Following survey and geophysical investigations in June 2004, the site was completely excavated between June-July 2010.

Despite the fact that the continuous agricultural activity of past decades had substantially compromised the state of preservation of the archaeological remains, the excavation identified two occupation phases of a rural complex, that was destined for permanent occupation and agricultural activity. The complex appeared to comprise a central building with an internal courtyard and various outbuildings. The width of the second phase walls in the central building suggested the presence of an upper storey. Outside the central structure there was an external courtyard, at least partially but probably completely surrounded by a wall. Several buried dumps were found in the courtyard. Immediately outside the perimeter was an area that was intensely cultivated in the Punic period, probably the vegetable garden relating to the complex.

The majority of the finds recovered from undisturbed layers were of Punic type and distinguished by coarse fabrics. A preliminary look at the pottery showed these were mainly domestic vessels such as cooking pots, basins and containers linked to production activities such as amphorae. Various fragments of tabuna (for baking bread) were also found. The vast majority of the pottery was made locally. However, imported wares were present, in particular amphorae, mostly Punic, and black glaze ware. The materials indicate that the complex was occupied during the first half of the 4th century B.C. and probably abandoned towards the end of the 2nd century B.C. The dating of the second phase in which the complex was restructured has yet to be defined.

A small concentration of imperial Roman material on the site reflects the continued use of the area well after the abandonment of the Punic structure.

Geomorphological and pedological studies undertaken in the area around the site attest a dynamic physical landscape effected by active fluvial and lagunal processes, where fertile agricultural zones coexisted with sand dunes. The settlement is situated on a rise overlooking a hollow known to have been marshy in the last century, from which the site derives its name.

The excavation fully confirmed the preliminary interpretation of the site as a Punic farm. Furthermore, close parallels were noted with the nearby rural settlement of Truncu ‘e Molas, excavated and studied by the Terralba Project in 2007-2009.