Here's a breakdown of what we know:
* The Original Manuscript: Unfortunately, no original manuscript of *The Art of War* has been discovered. This makes it difficult to pinpoint an exact date of composition.
* The Earliest Manuscript: The oldest known manuscript of *The Art of War* dates back to the 2nd century AD. This manuscript is known as the "Wu Jing Zong Yao," a compilation of military treatises.
* Internal Evidence: While the text itself doesn't offer a definite date, there are internal clues that suggest it was written during the Warring States Period. The text mentions specific military strategies and tactics that were common during that era.
* Historical Context: Sun Tzu's life is shrouded in mystery, but some scholars believe he was a military strategist who lived during the Warring States Period.
* Later Scholars: Many later scholars, including the famous historian Sima Qian, mentioned Sun Tzu and his work. They further reinforce the idea that *The Art of War* was written during the Warring States Period.
In summary, while we cannot pinpoint an exact date, the available evidence suggests that *The Art of War* was most likely written during the Warring States Period, likely sometime between the 5th and 3rd centuries BC.
It's important to note that *The Art of War* has gone through many revisions and editions over the centuries. However, its core principles and strategies remain relevant and insightful even today.