Ada of Caria

Ada ruled Caria jointly with her brother and husband Idrieus after the death of Mausolus. She co-administered the satrapy, overseeing construction projects and maintaining Carian autonomy under Persian authority.

After Idrieus' death, Ada was deposed by her younger brother Pixodarus, who seized power in Caria. She was forced into exile, likely at the fortress of Alinda, marking a period of political instability within the Hecatomnid family.

When Alexander the Great arrived in Caria, Ada adopted him as her son. This act legitimized Alexander's rule in the region and secured his support, as Ada was the rightful Hecatomnid heir. Alexander restored her to power.

Following Alexander's conquest of Halicarnassus, Ada was restored as the queen of Caria. She ruled as a loyal ally of Alexander, providing him with troops and supplies for his campaign against the Persian Empire.

Ada died in 326 BC, having ruled Caria under Alexander's suzerainty. Her adoption of Alexander ensured the peaceful transition of Caria into the Hellenistic world, and she is remembered as the last Hecatomnid ruler of Caria.