Who is Amenhotep III and Taia from Sinuhe the Egyptian: A Novel and what is their importance?

Pharaoh Amenhotep III was an avid devotee of the god Ammon. Taia, his wife, is described as short, plump, haughty, and majestic. Taia, however, is a fowler's daughter from Lower Egypt, and thus, she is discriminated against for her dark skin when brought into the harem. Pharaoh, however, is smitten.