bound by a vow of silence

They were most sacred days, when much of the ordinary business of life was suspended. Processions took place, sacrifices were held with dances and song, there was general rejoicing. All this was public knowledge and has been related by many a writer. But the chief part of the ceremony which took place in the precincts of the temple has never been described. Those who beheld it were bound by a vow of silence and they kept it so well that we know only stray bits of what was done.

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sb70012 said:

Source: http://www.dl.ket.org/latin1/things/...g/twogreat.htm 4th paragraph

Hello,
Would you please be kind enough to clarify the blue part to me? I really can not understand it.

Thank you so much

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bhaisahab said:

Do you know what a "vow" is?

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sb70012 said:

Yes, it's a promise. I think it means "to be forced to be silent.

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