Why was Tenochtitlan built by the Aztecs?

Tenochtitlan was built by the Aztecs primarily due to its strategic location on an island in Lake Texcoco, which provided natural defenses against enemies. The site was chosen based on a prophecy that directed them to find an eagle perched on a cactus, holding a snake, which they interpreted as a divine sign. Additionally, the lake supported agriculture through chinampas, allowing for a stable food supply and contributing to the city's rapid growth and prosperity. This location ultimately became the center of the Aztec Empire and its cultural and political life.