Although slaves were legally possessions, there were Romans, such as the Stoic philosopher Seneca, who looked at slaves as human beings who just happened to be placed in an unfortunate circumstance In this letter to Lucilius, Seneca expresses his view and reflects on the relationship between slaves and their masters (Letters 47)

I'm glad to hear, from these people who've been visiting you, that you live on friendly terms with your slaves It is just what one expects of an enlightened, cultivated person like yourself "They're slaves," people say No They're human beings "They're slaves " No, they're friends, humble friends "They're slaves" Strictly speaking they're our fellow-slaves, if you once reflect that fortune has as much power over us as over them

This is why I laugh at those people who think it degrading for a man to eat with a...