The Italian prime minister is facing four trials, including abuse of office and one for allegedly having sex with an under-age prostitute.
But he was his usual buoyant self as he showed up at the hearing in Milan, smiling and waving to supporters.
In a television interview before the case started, Berlusconi, 74, labelled the charges as “groundless” and blamed left-wing lawyers.
He claimed: “Unfortunately communism in Italy never surrendered. I am the most accused man in the universe and in history.”
Berlusconi is accused with 11 other people, including his son Pier, of tax fraud over the acquisition of television rights. A court lifted his immunity from trial earlier this year, exposing him to three corruption and fraud cases linked to his Mediaset broadcasting empire.
Unfortunately communism in Italy never surrendered
Berlusconi also faces another trial next month in which he is accused of having sex with Ruby, a prostitute prosecutors say was below the age of consent.
Yesterday’s hearing came as details of his breathtaking salary emerged.
According to a declaration, his earnings jumped from 23million euros (£20million) in 2009 to 40million euros (£35million) in 2010.
The Forbes rich list has him as the 118th richest man in the world with a personal fortune of about £5billion, made up mainly of his media empire as well as building and financial interests.
He also owns AC Milan football club as well as luxury villas in Sardinia and the Caribbean and across Italy.