Definition: Rewrite each original sentence in order to make it easier to understand by non-native speakers of English. You can do so by replacing complex words with simpler synonyms (i.e. paraphrasing), deleting unimportant information (i.e. compression), and/or splitting a long complex sentence into several simpler ones. The final simplified sentences need to be grammatical, fluent, and retain the main ideas of their original counterparts without altering their meanings.
Input: They occupied an area which is now the independent cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake and Virginia Beach.

They occupied an area. This area is now the independent cities of Norfolk, Portsmouth, Chesapeake, and Virginia Beach.