Final answer:
Beowulf was likely written around the late 10th or early 11th century, fitting within the Old English period that lasted from 450 to 1066 A.D.
Step-by-step explanation:
Beowulf is a seminal piece of literature in the world of Old English and dates back to a time frame that places its probable composition between the 8th and early 11th centuries.
This aligns with the Old English period which spanned from 450 to 1066 A.D.
Given that Beowulf was written in Old English and taking into account the historical context of other contemporary works,
most scholars agree that the most likely period of composition for Beowulf is around the late 10th or early 11th century, slightly before the end of the Old English era.
While the exact date cannot be pinpointed, this estimate is based on linguistic and historical analysis, including comparing the manuscript's language and verse form with other known works from the period.