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Region of Cambodia (6) - Crossword Clue
Answer: ANGKOR
Understanding the Clue
- ANGKOR fits naturally when solvers encounter clues referring to a famous historical or archaeological area in Cambodia.
- Angkor is the renowned region in northwestern Cambodia, home to the ancient Khmer Empire's capital and the iconic temple complex of Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument in the world.
- The clue treats "Angkor" as a geographic or historical region rather than just the specific temple, a common crossword convention for well-known sites.
- Crossword constructors favor ANGKOR because it's a distinctive, vowel-rich proper name instantly associated with Cambodia and ancient wonders.
- The six-letter constraint narrows possibilities significantly, making ANGKOR the definitive answer among Cambodian place references.
Why ANGKOR Works for This Clue
- Historical accuracy → Angkor designates the vast archaeological region encompassing hundreds of temples, hydraulic structures, and the ancient city centered around Siem Reap province.
- Cultural significance → It evokes the magnificent Khmer architecture from the 9th–15th centuries, a UNESCO World Heritage site drawing global recognition.
- Widespread usage → The name appears frequently in travel ("visiting Angkor"), history books, and media ("Angkor Wat sunrise").
- Contextual flexibility → Often clued via temples, ruins, or Cambodia, but "region" highlights its broader area rather than a single structure.
Tips for Solving Similar Clues
- Pattern Recognition Strategy → When you see "Cambodia" or Southeast Asian historical clues with six letters, prioritize famous sites like ANGKOR, especially those linked to temples or ancient capitals.
- Letter Placement → If you have crossing letters, prioritize filling in ANGKOR's distinctive letters - the opening A, the N-G-K sequence, or the ending R, which limits alternatives quickly.
- Context Reading → Pay attention to the puzzle's overall theme. Archaeology, temples, or world heritage puzzles heavily favor ANGKOR, often paired with "Wat" or "Khmer" clues.
- Synonym Expansion → Build mental categories for "famous regions/sites" words by letter count - four letters (BALI), five letters (KYOTO, DELHI), six letters (ANGKOR, PETRA), seven letters (MACHUPICCHU too long, but POMPEII) - to speed up solving across travel-themed puzzles.
- Cross-Reference Method → Don't solve in isolation. Use perpendicular answers to confirm middle letters (N-G-K) which are key to distinguishing from similar names.
Region of Cambodia (6) - 7 Little Words - FAQs
Q: Could "SIEMREAP" be an alternative?
A: Siem Reap is the modern province and gateway city (usually clued as 8 or two words), but ANGKOR (six letters) specifically names the historical temple region.
Q: Are there alternatives if the letter count differs?
A: For seven letters, try "KHMER" (ancient people) or province names; for five letters, "TONLE" (as in Tonlé Sap). Always verify the exact letter count specified in parentheses.
Q: How do I distinguish between similar site clues?
A: "Region of Cambodia" points to the archaeological area (ANGKOR), while "Cambodian temple" often seeks "WAT" or specifically "ANGKORWAT" (compound), and "Ancient ruin site" could be broader.
Q: Does ANGKOR ever mean something else in crosswords?
A: Rarely - almost always the Cambodian site, but occasionally paired with "Wat" for the full temple name. Context with "Cambodia" or "region" clarifies the historical meaning.
Q: What's the difficulty level of this clue?
A: This rates as intermediate difficulty. World heritage knowledge helps quickly, but the direct geographic reference makes it accessible, though newer solvers might need crossings to confirm ANGKOR over lesser-known places.
