**Some famous writers who wrote about the conditions of workers and slaves in the Roman Empire are:**

1. **Pliny the Elder**: Pliny the Elder was a Roman author, naturalist, and philosopher who lived during the 1st century AD. In his work, "Natural History," he provides insights into the lives of slaves, their roles in society, and their treatment by their owners.

2. **Seneca the Younger**: Seneca was a Roman Stoic philosopher and statesman who lived during the 1st century AD. In his writings, particularly in his letters, he discusses the ethical treatment of slaves and discourages excessive abuse and mistreatment.

3. **Cato the Elder**: Cato the Elder was a Roman statesman and writer who lived during the 2nd century BC. In his work, "De Agricultura" (On Agriculture), he provides advice to farmers on managing their slaves and emphasizes the importance of treating them fairly.

4. **Plautus**: Plautus was a Roman playwright who lived during the 3rd century BC. His comedies often featured slave characters and depicted their various roles and interactions within Roman society.

**Features regarding the slave class:**

1. **Enslavement**: Slavery was a common practice in ancient Rome, and slaves were individuals who were considered property and owned by their masters. They were often obtained through warfare, trade, or birth into slavery.

2. **Diverse roles**: Slaves in Rome performed a wide range of tasks and roles. They could be domestic servants, agricultural laborers, miners, gladiators, or skilled craftsmen. Some slaves were even educated and acted as tutors or secretaries.

3. **Treatment and conditions**: The treatment of slaves varied depending on the individual owner. While some slaves were treated relatively well and given certain privileges, others endured harsh living conditions, physical abuse, and even sexual exploitation.

4. **Legal status**: Slaves had no legal rights and were considered the property of their owners. They could be bought, sold, or inherited. Slaves could not marry without their owner's permission, and their children would also be enslaved.

5. **Resistance and rebellion**: Slaves sometimes rebelled against their owners or sought freedom through various means. Some engaged in acts of sabotage, escape attempts, or even large-scale revolts, such as the famous Spartacus rebellion.

6. **Manumission**: Slaves had the possibility of being freed through a process called manumission. This could be granted by their owners as a reward for faithful service or purchased by the slaves themselves if they had saved enough money.

Overall, the writings of these famous authors provide valuable insights into the conditions and treatment of slaves in the Roman Empire. They shed light on the diverse roles and experiences of slaves and highlight the ethical considerations surrounding their treatment.