I lived (and past simple in general) is used when: - the time of the action in the past is give (last Monday, a year ago, etc) - for sequences of actions (he opened the door, took a knife and cut the butter) - for actions that interrupt general circumstances (I was reading the newspaper when you arrived). I have lived (and present perfect in general) - for actions that took place in the past but are still true now, with relevant consequences for the present) (I have played tennis for 2 years --- (= I still play tennis) I have lost my keys (=I still haven't found them). I have bought some beer (the beer is still in the fridge).