Which of the following best describes the physical characteristics of a sarcophagus?

The physical characteristics of a sarcophagus are best described as large and rectangular. Traditionally, a sarcophagus is a stone container used to hold a coffin or a deceased body, and it often takes the form of a large rectangular box. This shape is practical for both accommodating human remains and for creating a prominent display within burial sites, reflecting the importance of the individual buried within.

Sarcophagi can vary in design and ornamentation, but their foundational structure aligns with the large rectangular shape, which has been prevalent in many ancient cultures, especially in Egyptian and Roman practices. This design allows for the inscription of names, titles, and sometimes relief sculptures that help commemorate the deceased.

Other forms, such as small and cylindrical or compact and oval, do not accurately capture the typical size and shape of a sarcophagus; these descriptors are more relevant to different types of containers used for burial or storage in other contexts. Additionally, the notion of being thin and elongated does not align with the volume and presence that a sarcophagus typically represents.