Crossword Genius

Roman emperor goes back around island near Troy in the East (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

orient

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'east' is the definition.
('orient' can be a synonym of 'east')

'roman emperor goes back around island near troy' is the wordplay.
'roman emperor' becomes 'nero' (I've seen this before).
'goes back' says the letters should be written in reverse.
'around' indicates putting letters inside.
'island' becomes 'i'.
'near troy' becomes 't' (I am not sure about the 'near' bit.**).
'nero' written backwards gives 'oren'.
'oren' placed around 'i' is 'orien'.
'orien'+'t'='ORIENT'

'in the' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for orient that I've seen before include "The east as opposed to the Occident" , "Determine position with regard to points of compass" , "Establish one's position" , "East; align" , "Get one's bearings - to the East?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Irish Times.
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