Henricus was born in the Apennines and as soon as he was old enough he joined the Roman Military. Not long after it was found that he had a proficiency for fighting and for leading into battle. He rose through the ranks quickly. He never knew his father and the apparent well treatment he had with the current Emperor Jacobus and later Decius suggested to some malcontents that he was the son of Jacobus. It is quite possible that he was just liked by these Emperors but that is nothing more than speculation. Henricus led armies into Moesia in the fight against Ethiopia and built strategic bases in this province. Henricus managed to live through the plague that killed Decius and was well known by the Senators though he was not what would appear to be what Emperor's are