 This unexpected defeat resulted in a 17-year hiatus at the city, during which time Copán may have been subject to Quiriguá in a reversal of fortunes.A significant portion of the eastern side of the acropolis was eroded away by the Copán River; the river has since been diverted to protect the site from further damage.It is thought likely that the ancient name of Copán was Oxwitik (), meaning the "Three Witiks", although the meaning of the word "witik" itself remains obscure.