The Past Simple tense in English

1. A Series of Completed Actions
2. Completed Action in the past
3. A Series of Completed Actions
4. Duration in past

Simple indefinite

1. I played football for over ten years when I was much younger. (Note 'for' used with the past simple.)
2. The letter was written yesterday. (passive form)

Other usage

1. I was born in London
2. Where did you go yesterday?
3. Why did you go there?
   (Not Why went you there
4. Who went there?
   (Not "Who did go there?")
5. It's time I left! (past form for present)