A multimethod approach to the study of Classic Maya houselots and land tenure: Preliminary results from the Three Rivers Region, Belize

•Study combines excavations with lidar and qualitative soil phosphorus surveys.•Linear stone features appear to demarcate ancient Maya houselots.•Mean interior area of proposed houselots is large in comparison to other regions.•Dense settlement and larger houselots may signal decreased use of outfields.•Data may indicate the existence of private land tenure during the Late Classic period.