Final answer:
The Phoenicians likely mistrusted strangers due to their history of trade conflicts and experiences with the aftermath of events like the Trojan War. This wariness would have been a protective measure and aligned with the natural human tendency to be cautious around strangers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The mistrust the Phoenicians may have had towards strangers at the end of the myth can relate to their experiences and interactions with other civilizations, their role as traders and travelers, and the natural human tendency to be suspicious of strangers. While the Phoenicians were notable merchants and established a vast trade network across the Mediterranean, they likely experienced conflicts such as those that arose in the aftermath of the Trojan War and the migrations during the Late Bronze Age Collapse. They would have encountered numerous other cultures, which might lead to a general wariness of outsiders. The historical context suggests that mistrust of strangers may stem from protective instincts and past conflicts rather than a natural disposition to suspect outsiders. Their history of contact with other cultures and the practicalities of trade and establishing colonies would have likely made them cautious of potential threats, aligning with the universal human tendency to be cautious about the unknown. Considering these factors, the best answer to the student's question could be C) They have heard stories of the Trojan War's aftermath as it bases the mistrust in a historical narrative familiar to the region.