Which female ruler of Caria adopted Alexander as her son?

Ada of Caria was the female ruler of Caria who adopted Alexander the Great as her son. In 334 BC, Alexander entered Caria during his campaign against the Persian Empire, while Ada was ruling from the fortress of Alinda after being displaced by her brother Pixodarus and his successor, Orontobates.

Ada surrendered Alinda to Alexander and formally adopted him, creating a political alliance rather than a biological family relationship. Alexander accepted the title of son and returned Alinda to her control. He also placed her in command during the siege of Halicarnassus, the major Persian stronghold in Caria.

After Halicarnassus fell, Alexander restored Ada as ruler of all Caria. Her local legitimacy and popularity helped persuade the Carians to accept Macedonian rule. She died around 326 BC. Ada is sometimes confused with Artemisia, another prominent Carian ruler and her sister, but Artemisia ruled earlier and did not adopt Alexander.