The simple past tense indicates an activity which took place in a definite past time, having no connection with the present.
An activity in the simple past tense is determined by an adverb or adverbial phrase of past time, by a definite point of time or period of time.
Or if there is none in the sentence, they are clearly indicated by context or situation.
Examples of The Simple Past Tense
I bought this t-shirt in Germany.
I saw her last weekend.
The First World War broke up in 1914.
They take a trip to Australia two years ago.
The simple past tense may express a repeated or habitual activity usually with an adverbial phrase or adverb clause to indicate the period.
Examples
During the winter we went skiing every day.
He always play football with me when I was there.
I sat in the first available chair.