The defining features of 'high civilization'

The defining features of 'high civilization' in Freud's view could be
clearly observed

In such countries rivers which threaten to flood the land are regulated in
their flow, and their water is directed through canals to places where there is
shortage of it. The soil is carefully cultivated and planted with the vegetation
which it is suited to support; and the mineral wealth below ground is
assiduously brought to the surface and fashioned into the required implements
and utensils.

Freud 1933/1963:29

Thanks to Ian Welsh from Cardiff University