The marquisate was created in 1125 at the death of Boniface del Vasto, of the Aleramici family, his son Anselmo becoming the first marquis of the newly formed state.

The marquisate was partitioned in several petty states between Guglielmos, and its fortunes began to decline.

Further weakened by internal strife, the marquisate submitted to Amadeus V of Savoy on 22 February 1313.

During the wars between the marquisates of Saluzzo, Monferrato and the Angevins, Ceva swore loyalty to John II of Montferrat.

The fragmented marquisate was eventually acquired by the French Duke of Orleans, and ultimately Savoy in 1531.