Microbial attack on an ancient textile was examined before restoration. Biodeterioration agents were identified and assessed using cultural analyses, microscopy, and firefly bioluminescent assays of ATP. Textile fibres were identified with microscopy and microchemical tests. The results of these studies allowed us to verify that the textile artefact was a mixed weave, and that the morphology of alteration was directly related to microfungal attack on the different textile fibres. The efficacy of two different biocides was tested; the biocides chosen were among those most frequently used for the disinfection of textile materials. -- CAL