Final answer:
The Phoenicians were master seafarers, traders, and the creators of the first known alphabet, while the Philistines were known for their conflicts with the Israelites and military strength, particularly their use of iron weapons.
Step-by-step explanation:
When the Israelites returned to Canaan, they encountered established cultures such as the Phoenicians and the Philistines. The Phoenicians, who were renowned for their seafaring and trading skills, played a significant role as merchants, establishing colonies such as the famed Carthage, and creating extensive trade networks across the Mediterranean. They were known for crafting the first known alphabet, a foundation for many modern alphabets, and for their unique production of purple dye from the Murex snail. The Philistines, on the other hand, were one of the groups of "Sea People" and were often in conflict with the Israelites. They were recognized for their military prowess and for being among the early adopters of iron weapons, which provided them with a technological advantage during conflicts.