The Marquis of Montferrat was a noble title in the region of Montferrat, located in northern Italy. This title emerged in the 11th century and was held by various noble families, most notably the Paleologi and the Aleramici. The marquisate played a significant role in the political and military affairs of the region during the Middle Ages. Montferrat was strategically important due to its location between the Duchy of Savoy and the Kingdom of Italy. The marquisate often engaged in alliances and conflicts with neighboring states, influencing the power dynamics of northern Italy. The title eventually became part of the Duchy of Montferrat in the 16th century.