The adjective "Maggiore" (major) was inserted in 1862,[4] to better identify the village by distinguishing it from the homonyms (eg Cerro al Lambro), putting them in emphasis is placed on the greater territorial and demographic extension.

The long and systematic work of Romanization, initiated by Rome, following the victory obtained over the Gauls in 196 BC near today's Casteggio, led to the radical removal of the marks left by Celtic civilization.

In the period of Roman hegemony, in which important colonies (Legnano, Sesto Calende, Somma Lombardo, Castano, to name a few) were founded on the great roads of communication that from Mediulanum (Milan) led to the lakes and Ossola, it is impossible to distinguish the events of the smaller villages from those of the main centers.

The chronicles that refer to the events of the 10th century, a period in which for defense reasons, linked to the frequent raids of the Hungarians and the reprisals of the dukes aspiring to the Kingdom of Italy, many of the villages were set up, report that Cerro was fortified.

However, the influences deriving from the mercantile development started in Milan during the years of the Visconti lordship did not produce significant effects on the Cerro fund, which persevered in its predominantly agricultural vocation.

Cerro Maggiore thus begins to attract industrial realities thanks to the strong promotion of Bernocchi, an industrialist of textile fashion, senator of the Kingdom, who will be one of the greatest patrons in the history of the city, and will be appointed honorary citizen.

[5] A supposed urban legend circulating in the village for many decades, it is now a consolidated truth that the body of the dictator Benito Mussolini was hidden in the local Capuchin Friars convent, moved from Milan after the events in piazzale Loreto and kept here until 1957, to avoid any unproper political use of the remainings.