The Cottian Alps were, prior to being annexed by Rome, under the control of a leader named Donnus. Donnus and his state of the local Ligurian Tribes. His son, and successor of Donnus, Cottius is the origin of the name for this small piece of the Alps. Cottius and his successors ruled independently even after their annexation into the Empire by Emperor Augustus but a Procurator was appointed to lead this province under Emperor Nero, however. The Procurator began to take up the title of Governor of the Cottian Alps and it has since been a calm and peaceful part of the Empire.