In 2012, the Missione Archeologica di Carloforte (MAC) carried out the first excavation campaign in the town of Carlo Forte, Isola di San Pietro, which brought to light the remains of a Punic necropolis situated a short distance from the town centre. The excavation was undertaken following a careful study of the material, documentary, and oral sources.

The necropolis structures were still visible during World War II, in fact they were used as anti-aircraft shelters and are still remembered by the town’s older inhabitants. The area under investigation is situated at the bottom of a hill; the slope also functions as an earthwork supporting steps built between the wars to link the town to the sports field above. In recent years, the site has been used for dumping material related to the construction of the adjacent buildings, which began in the mid 20th century.

Once the modern dumped material had been removed, the excavation identified two large hypogea cut into the tufa, as well as two open graves. The area, which was confirmed to be part of a necropolis, covered about 45 m2. Based on comparison with other cemetery sites in the Sulcis area and results of the preliminary study of the pottery found in the second hypogeum, it is suggested that the tomb dates to the 5th-6th century B.C. The dating of the first hypogeum remains uncertain: further study and excavation should provide more data.