Complex sentence: In the 14th century the area was the scene of constant struggles between the Lithuanians and the Teutons and indeed the first written mention of the area where the town now lies dates back to 1385 and mentions an armed raid of the German knights from Merkinė to Giżycko.
Split into simpler sentences: In the 14th century the area was the scene of constant struggles between the Lithuanians and the Teutons. The first written record of the area where the town now lies dates to 1385, noting an armed raid of the German knights from Merkinė to Giżycko.