Here's why:
* Historical Context: Micah's prophecies directly address the social injustices and political corruption prevalent in Judah during Hezekiah's reign.
* References: Micah's book mentions specific historical events, including the destruction of Samaria (the capital of Israel) in 722 BC, which would have been a major event in the minds of Judahites.
* Style: The language and style of Micah's writing are similar to other prophets who were active during the late 8th century BC.
While there's no definitive answer, placing Micah's writing around 740-700 BC seems to be the most widely accepted view among scholars.